Critical Evaluation of Indices of Myocardial Contractility Derived from the Isovolumic Phase of Contraction

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Abstract
The accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility of several isovolumic force-velocity indices of myocardial contractility were compared. Contractile element velocity was calculated using both two-element (total pressure) and three-element (developed pressure) models of cardiac muscle. While all indices demonstrated comparable sensitivity to inotropic state, only Vmax using developed pressure was independent of preload and appeared to be a useful index of the myocardial contractile state.